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A book outline is a structured document that plans out and sequences the information that your story will include. It is a wireframe or skeleton of your book, and will be used as the roadmap during your writing process. Your book’s outline is an agenda, or roadmap, that includes the main points or events that you will write about in your book.
Jun 5, 2018 · How to outline a novel: 1. Choose your main character. 2. Give your main character a big problem. 3. Find a catalyst that sparks action. 4. Set obstacles on their path. 5. Define their biggest ordeal. 6. Figure out a resolution. 7. Pinpoint the character’s arc. 8. Connect the end to the start of the story.
- 1. Without groundwork, your scenes (and story) will collapse in on itself. That’s why you first need to set the stage for your novel outline. The i...
- 2. Now comes the fun part: it’s time to execute on your vision. So grab your pen and pencil (or laptop) and let’s plan your book. Starting scenes:...
- 3. To troubleshoot your novel outline, first step back so that you can view your story through fresh eyes. Then bring out your highlighter and high...
Apr 10, 2022 · Learn how to outline a book in 7 easy steps. Use our free book outline template to help outline and structure your ideas.
- The One-Page Outline. If you have never outlined before… TRY THIS. The one-page outline is fast and easy to update as you write. It keeps your story focused on what matters most: the emotions that lead to a big, climactic finish.
- The “Three C’s” Outline. This is your fastest outlining strategy. It’s perfect for creating intense, rapid-fire stories. I first heard it from Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code.
- How to Outline with the Snowflake Method. The Snowflake Method is the best way to expand your unconnected ideas into a complete novel. It’s the perfect blend between outlining and discovery.
- The Three-Act Outline. The three-act structure is designed to set up and answer a single dramatic question. It’s perfect for screenwriting and for new authors because it provides simple, rigid guidelines.
- Craft your premise. This is the underlying idea for your story. A good way to find the premise is to ask yourself, “What would happen if…?” For example: What would happen if a young man who survives a shipwreck spends months in a lifeboat with a large Bengal tiger?
- Determine your setting. In a novel, the setting (time, place) can be just as important as the characters. Readers need to feel a sense of where things are happening, just as much as why they’re happening.
- Get to know your characters. Write character profiles. Visualize them. Pretend you’re introducing these characters to your friends. What would you say about them?
- Construct your plot. Construct a timeline of events. Write down everything that happens in the novel, from the beginning to the end. Include details where you can, such as where the events take place, and who is involved.
An outline is the skeleton of your book. Once you put all the bones in place, you have a solid framework for adding your ideas, thoughts, stories, anecdotes, facts, and figures. Like a skeleton, every bone of your book fits into a certain location. When it’s in the right spot, you’ll know. If something is missing or out of place, you’ll know.
An outline can help organize your research so it doesn’t overwhelm you, plus your outline will help you create the best structure for your finished book. For fiction authors, learning how to outline a book can help you to create a flawless story arc with dynamic, round characters.
